Aerial lift and method for implementing same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an aerial lift (1), which includes: a lower portion (2, 3) provided with members (7) for connecting to the ground (S); a lifting structure (4); a platform (5) supported by the lifting structure (4); and a lighting system (20) including at least one lighting device (21, 22, 23) arranged on the lower portion (2, 3) or on the platform (5), other than a driving light. The aerial lift (1) is characterised in that the lighting device (21, 22, 23) selectively generates coloured light beams, the colour of which are selected among at least two distinct colours, respectively corresponding to an “emergency stop” situation (C2) of the aerial lift (1) and an “accident at height” situation (C4) of the aerial lift (1). The invention also relates to a method for implementing such an aerial lift (1).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an aerial lift. The invention also relates to a method for implementing such an aerial lift. The field of the invention is that of cherry pickers.

Description of the Related Art

EP-A-2,374,635 describes one example aerial lift, comprising a motorized chassis provided with wheels, a tower pivoting 360° on the chassis, a crane articulated on the tower, and a moving platform arranged at the end of the crane.

The platform can be equipped with a work light allowing the user to light the elevated zone where he is performing work. The lift can also be equipped with an emergency rotating light, generally placed on the tower or the chassis, making it possible to indicate to people nearby that the machine is in use.

Nevertheless, it is not always possible to position the emergency rotating light such that its light beam is perceived by people nearby, irrespective of their position. There is thus an accident risk for people on the ground. Furthermore, these people are unable to react optimally to an emergency situation affecting the lift and/or its operator.

US-A-2012/0225964 and DE-A-10 2012 024 494 describe signaling systems for motor vehicles making it possible to warn people of a danger related to the passage of the work vehicle.

It is also known to activate a sound signal if a safety device is triggered, for example a load limiter equipping the platform. The level of danger related to this sound signal is difficult for a nearby person to interpret, in particular in a worksite or industrial environment where there are many disruptive sound emissions, which allows doubt to remain regarding the actions to be taken by this person.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks.

To that end, the invention relates to an aerial lift, comprising: a lower portion, provided with members for connecting to the ground; a lifting structure; a platform supported by the lifting structure; and a lighting system including at least one lighting device arranged on the lower portion or on the platform, other than a driving light. The aerial lift is characterized in that the lighting device selectively generates colored beams of light, the color of which is selected from among at least two different colors, respectively corresponding to:

an emergency stop situation of the aerial lift;

an accident at height situation of the aerial lift.

The invention thus makes it possible to warn people on the ground around the lift of the operating conditions of this lift, and in particular of emergency situations. The people on the ground can easily recognize the change in operating conditions of the lift, and behave accordingly. Compared with a traditional emergency rotating light, projecting a single color, the information given to people on the ground is more detailed and allows them to react better to the different situations. The invention therefore makes it possible to reduce accident risks, which meets a crucial safety demand. Furthermore, the lighting system according to the invention can perform additional advantageous functions, as will be seen from the following description.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, considered alone or in combination:

the lighting device selectively generates a red beam in an emergency stop situation, and a blue beam in an accident at height situation.

The lighting device also generates:

a green beam in a work situation;

an orange beam in an outage situation.

The lighting device selectively generates colored light beams pointed toward the ground and the environment immediately surrounding the aerial lift, at least partly including a zone comprised between 0 and 1 meter of the edge of the members for connecting to the ground.

The colored light beams are pointed into a space excluding the platform.

The colored light beams project markings on the ground defining a flagged zone around the aerial lift.

At least one of the markings on the ground includes a figurative shape, for example a danger symbol.

The lighting device selectively generates colored light beams pointed toward the ground and the environment immediately surrounding the aerial lift, at less than ten meters from the members for connecting to the ground.

The lighting device at least partially lights the members for connecting to the ground.

The lighting system comprises different lighting devices arranged on the lower portion, the lift structure and/or the platform, each selectively generating beams of colored light whose color depends on the operating conditions of the aerial lift.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on a front side of the lower portion, in particular on a front side of a tower belonging to the lower portion.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on a lateral side of the lower portion, in particular on a lateral side and the bottom of a tower belonging to the lower portion.

The lighting system comprises at least two lighting devices arranged on the lateral sides of the lower portion, one on each side.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on a front side and the bottom of the platform.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on a lateral side and the bottom of the platform.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on the bottom of the lifting structure.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on a lateral, front or rear side of the lifting structure.

The lighting system comprises at least one lighting device arranged on a front side of the lower portion, in particular on a front side of a tower belonging to the lower portion; at least two lighting devices arranged on the lateral sides of the lower portion, in particular each on a lateral side and the bottom of a tower belonging to the lower portion; and at least one lighting device arranged on the lifting structure and/or on the platform.

The light beams generated by the lighting devices are inclined relative to the ground by angles comprised between 20 degrees and 90 degrees, inclusive.

The invention also relates to a method for using an aerial lift as described above. The method is characterized in that during a predetermined change in the operating conditions of the aerial lift, in particular during a transition to a working situation, an emergency stop situation, an outage situation or an accident at height situation, the lighting device selectively generates colored light beams having a predetermined color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, provided solely as a non-limiting example and done in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerial lift according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view along arrow II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view along arrow III in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front along arrow IV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view from the perspective of an operator positioned in the basket of the lift, the lift being shown schematically for simplification purposes.

FIG. 6 is another schematic illustration of the lift, in perspective view;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an operator positioned in the basket of the lift, in the working situation;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the operator pressing on a stop button, in an emergency stop situation;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the lift, in an outage situation;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the operator positioned in the basket of the lift, in an accident situation;

FIGS. 8, 10, 12 and 14 are partial schematic illustrations of the lift, respectively corresponding to the situations of FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13, with different colored light beams; and

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second embodiment of a lift according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 14 show an aerial lift 1 according to the invention.

The lift 1 comprises a rolling chassis 2, a tower 3, a telescoping arm 4 and a platform 5. The chassis 2 and the tower 3 make up the lower portion of the lift 1, while the telescoping arm 4 makes up the lifting structure of the lift 1. The lift 1 has a front side 11, a rear side 12, a left side 13 and a right side 14. The lift 1 is provided to be driven by an operator 10 positioned on the platform 5. The operator 10 is shown schematically, only in FIGS. 7, 9 and 13, for simplification reasons.

The chassis 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X2. The chassis 2 is provided with axles 6 supporting wheels 7, allowing the lift 1 to translate over a surface on the ground S. The wheels 7 form members for connecting to the ground S of the lift 1. In the example of the figures, the axles 6 are telescoping and articulated in rotation on the chassis 2. Nevertheless, in practice, the axles 6 can have any configuration adapted to the targeted application. In particular, the axles 6 can be straight axles, and may or may not be telescoping. The motor means of the chassis 2, not shown, can comprise an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. An electronic central management unit, a hydraulic reservoir, a fuel tank and/or a set of electric batteries can also be mounted on the chassis 2.

The tower 3 is mounted on the chassis 2, while being rotatable over 360 degrees around a vertical axis Z3. Preferably, the tower 3 is actuated by hydraulic means, not shown. The tower 3 includes a longitudinal housing 31 provided to receive the arm 4 in the idle position. The tower 3 also includes a side flap 32 removably covering a control console 33.

The telescoping arm 4 is mounted on the chassis 3, while being articulated in rotation around a horizontal axis Y4. The arm 4 comprises several elongate boxes 41, 42, 43 and 44, nested in one another. Alternatively, the arm 4 can be a lifting arm, articulated or of any known type. A parallelogram structure 45, supporting the platform 5, is arranged at the end 44 of the arm 4.

The platform 5 is provided to receive a load, in particular people and equipment. The platform 5 comprises a basket 51 and a control console 52 positioned on the front side 11 of the basket 51. Moving on the ground S, when the tower 3 is oriented at 0 degrees, the operator 10 of the lift 1 is positioned in the basket 51 of the platform 5 and looks toward the front side 11 of the lift 1. The basket 51 is formed by different vertical and horizontal uprights. The basket 51 is provided with an access door 53 situated on the rear side 12.

The lift 1 is also equipped with a lighting system 20, making it possible to light the ground S and the environment close to the lift 1, at less than ten meters from the wheels 7. Since the projected light rays are generally diffuse, it is specified that the lighting system 20 is provided essentially to light within less than five meters from the wheels 7. In other words, at least 50% of the light intensity protected by the lighting system 20 is concentrated within less than five meters of the wheels 7.

In particular, the lighting system 20 aims to light at least part of a zone comprised between 0 and 1 meters from the edge of the wheels 7, around the lift 1. In the case at hand, the edge of the wheels 7 designates their outer envelope, on the side opposite the chassis 2. Preferably, the lighting system 20 at least partially lights the wheels 7.

Thus, the system 20 makes it possible to improve the visibility of the operator 10 positioned on the platform 5 and to facilitate his maneuvers, both during a loading or unloading operation of the lift 1 and during a maneuvering operation on the worksite. Furthermore, during the work at height done by the operator 10, the system 20 makes it possible to notify people on the ground S of the operation in progress, or to warn them in case of emergency.

The lighting system 20 comprises several lighting devices 21, 22 and 23, positioned on the tower 3 and the platform 5. In the example of the figures, two devices 21 are positioned on the front of the tower 3, two devices 22 are positioned on the sides and the bottom of the tower 3, while one device 23 is positioned on the front and bottom of the platform 5.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the devices 21, 22 and 23 generate light beams F21, F22 and F23 projecting marks M21, M22 and M23 on the ground S. In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, all of the devices 21, 22 and 23 are illuminated. In FIG. 5, the devices 21 and 23 are illuminated, but not the devices 22. In FIG. 6, the devices 21 and 22 are illuminated, but not the device 23.

The devices 21, 22 and 23 are configured to illuminate the ground S and the immediate surroundings of the lift 1. The beams F21 are oriented globally toward the front of the tower 3, such that when the tower 3 is in the straight position relative to the chassis 2, the marks M21 are situated on the front side 11 of the lift 1. The beams F22 are oriented globally on the sides of the front of the tower 3, such that when the tower 3 is in the straight position relative to the chassis 2, the marks M22 are situated on the lateral sides 13 and 14 of the lift 1. The beams F23 are oriented globally toward the front of the platform 5, such that when the tower 3 is in the straight position relative to the chassis 2, with the mast 4 and the platform 5 situated in the extension of the rear side, the mark M23 is situated on the rear side 12 of the lift 1.

In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the light beams F21, F22 and F23 are inclined relative to the ground S by angles α1, α2 and α3 comprised between 20 and 90 degrees, inclusive. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each device 21, 22 and 23 generates light beams F21, F22 and F23 that are inclined relative to the ground S by a set of angles α1, α2 and α3 comprised between 20 and 90 degrees, inclusive, irrespective of the considered direction. In particular, the angles α1 are comprised between 50 and 75 degrees, the angles α2 are comprised between 50 and 65 degrees, and the angles α3 are comprised between 25 and 35 degrees. For a lift 1 traveling at no more than 6 kilometers/hour and braking over two meters, the beams F21, F22 and F23 are oriented to light at least five meters from the chassis 2. More specifically, the beams F21, F22 and F23 are oriented to light at least part of the zone comprised between 0 and 1 meters from the edge of the wheels 7. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the marks M21, M22 and M23 on the ground cover this zone partially, but not completely. Preferably, to facilitate maneuvers, the marks M21, M22 and M23 extend partly below and around the wheels 7.

Compared with the lighting system 20 according to the invention, the beams projected by the driving lights equipping motor vehicles are provided to provide light, with low beams, at least thirty meters from the chassis. These driving lights are thus generally inclined relative to the ground S, with low beams, by angles comprised between 3 and 15 degrees, inclusive. The driving lights do not illuminate the ground S near the wheels.

Preferably, the devices 21, 22 and 23 are stationary, i.e., the orientation of the beams F21, F22, F23 is fixed. Alternatively, the devices 21, 22 and 23 can be configured to be able to orient their beams F21, F22, F23. In other words, the devices 21, 22 and 23 can project multi-directional beams F21, F22 and F23. In this case, the angles α1, α2 and α3 are adjustable.

As in particular shown in FIG. 3, the marks M21, M22 and M23 are projected by the lighting system 20 around the entire lift 1. Thus, the marks M21, M22 and M23 define a flagged zone Z20 around the lift 1, embodied by a fictitious barrier B20 shown in broken lines in FIG. 3. The invention thus makes it possible to improve the safety of people close to the lift 1.

According to one particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lighting devices 21, 22 and 23 include a partial closing system, such as a mask having a distinctive shape. The masks make it possible to show distinctive shapes on the ground S in the marks M21, M22 and M23. The distinctive shape can be a symbol, a logo or text. The distinctive shape can in particular depict a danger symbol M24, as shown in the example of FIG. 3. Thus, the system 20 makes it possible to provide richer information to people close to the lift 1 to allow them to adopt appropriate behavior. The mask can be stationary, or designed to be removable depending on the situation. According to one alternative, only some of the devices 21, 22 or 23 are equipped with a mask.

The lighting system 20 can be configured such that when the lift 1 is started up, at least some of the devices 21, 22 and 23 are automatically illuminated. During use, each of the devices 21, 22 and 23 can selectively be illuminated or extinguished, as chosen by the operator 10. The lighting system 20 can also include a safety device provided to illuminate all or some of the lighting devices 21, 22 and 23 automatically in case of emergency.

Furthermore, at least some of the devices 21, 22 and 23 can be configured to project dynamic signals, in the form of specific lighting, such as changes in color or intermittent bursts of light. These dynamic signals can be activated in case of emergency, or depend on the movements of the lift 1 or its component elements, for example during the translation of the chassis 2 or the lowering of the platform 5. These dynamic signals make the lighting system 20 even more visible, which further improves the safety of people close to the lift 1, as well as the safety of the operator, in particular in emergency situations.

The devices 21, 22 and 23 can assume the form of traditional headlights, as is the case of the devices 21 in the figures. In this case, these headlights nevertheless do not serve as traditional driving lights. Alternatively, the devices 21, 22 and 23 can each assume the form of a housing including a case, a glass pane, as well as one or several bulbs or light-emitting diodes (LED) arranged in the case and projecting beams of light through the glass pane. Advantageously, the LEDs have a long life and require practically no upkeep.

For each device 21, 22 and 23, the bulbs or diodes can be arranged in a particular pattern. Thus, the lighting system 20 has a particular visual signature, reinforcing the visual identity of the lift 1.

The lift 1 can comprise other auxiliary lighting devices, for example to light the operating zone at height of the operator 10. Alternatively, the devices 21, 22 or 23 can be configured to be able to orient their beams F21, F22, F23 in order to light the operating zone at height.

FIGS. 7 to 14 show different operating conditions C1, C2, C3 and C4 of the lift 1, in particular emergency situations. FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13 are schematic illustrations of different work or emergency situations. FIGS. 8, 10, 12 and 14 are partial schematic illustrations of the lift 1 shown in FIG. 6, respectively corresponding to the situations of FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13, with different colored light beams FC1, FC2, FC3 and FC4.

Advantageously, at least some of the colors used correspond to conventions known by the general public, in particular used on automobile dashboards:

green: normal situation,

orange: malfunction not requiring an immediate stop,

red: danger requiring an immediate stop.

In FIG. 7, the operator 10 is positioned in the basket 51 of the lift 1, in a work situation, or condition C1. In FIG. 8, the devices 21 and 22 are projecting green beams FC1. Thus, owing to the system 20, the people on the ground S near the lift 1 can easily recognize that an operation is underway, and behave accordingly.

In FIG. 9, the hand of the operator 10 is preparing to press an emergency stop button 54 equipping the control console 52. The emergency stop mode of the lift 1 is then activated, which corresponds to condition C2. In FIG. 10, in this emergency stop mode, the devices 21 and 22 project red beams FC2. Thus, owing to the system 20, the people on the ground S near the lift 1 can easily recognize that the emergency stop mode has been activated, and react accordingly. This allows the personnel on the ground to observe that the operator of the aerial lift is not physically in danger and that his operation is not absolutely necessary. The emergency stop mode can also be activated by other safety devices of the lift, in particular a load limiter on the platform or an incline manager of the chassis. These safety devices are traditional and will therefore not be described in more detail.

In FIG. 11, the lift 1 is shown in an outage situation, or condition C3. In FIG. 12, the devices 21 and 22 are projecting orange beams FC3. Thus, owing to the system 20, the people on the ground S near the lift 1 can easily recognize that the lift 1 is out of order, and react accordingly.

In FIG. 13, the operator 10 is positioned in the basket 51 of the lift 1, when an accident occurs. In the case at hand, the operator 10 working at height in the basket 51 accidentally collides with a beam during a movement of the platform 5. A safety system, for example a removable bar 55 positioned between the operator 10 and the control console 52, then makes it possible to activate an accident mode of the lift 1, or condition C4. In FIG. 14, the devices 21 and 22 are projecting blue beams FC4. Thus, owing to the system 20, the people on the ground S near the lift 1 can easily recognize that the accident at height situation is potentially dangerous for the physical integrity of the operator and react accordingly by operating on the aerial lift 1.

Thus, in the context of the invention, at least one of the lighting devices 21, 22 and 23 is configured to generate colored light beams FC1, FC2, FC3, FC4, the color of which depends on the operating conditions C1, C2, C3, C4 of the lift 1. Preferably, at least some of the devices 21, 22 and 23, or even all of the devices 21, 22 and 23, are configured to generate colored light beams FC1, FC2, FC3 and FC4.

To that end, the devices 21, 22 or 23 preferably comprise a set of diodes with different colors. Different colors can be projected by the same device 21, 22 or 23, with a different color for each operating condition C1, C2, C3, C4 of the lift 1. The set of devices 21, 22 and 23 projects a given color for a particular operating condition C1, C2, C3, C4 of the lift 1.

In comparison, it is known to equip a machine with a screen device displaying an image, to indicate to people in the immediate environment of the machine that the latter is powered on or that the chassis is moving.

FIG. 15 shows an aerial lift 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The component elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same numerical references. The device 23 is positioned below the lifting structure 4, more specifically below the box 41, instead of being positioned on the platform 5. Alternatively, the device 23 can be positioned in another location of the lifting structure 4.

Furthermore, the aerial lift 1 can be configured differently from FIGS. 1 to 15 without going beyond the scope of the invention. In particular, the lighting system 20 can have any configuration adapted to the targeted application. According to one particular alternative that is not shown, the members for connecting to the ground S equipping the rolling chassis 2 can be tracks instead of wheels 7.

In practice, the aerial lift 1 can be an articulated arm lift, a telescoping arm lift, a vertical mast lift, a scissor lift. Depending on its construction and its dimensions, the lift 1 can be implemented for maintenance or pruning work, for warehouse inventory, for naval, demolition or construction worksites, or for upkeep and finishing of works of art, etc.

Irrespective of the embodiment, the lift 1 includes a lower portion 2+3 provided with members 7 for connecting to the ground S, a lifting structure 4, a platform 5 and a lighting system 20 comprising at least one lighting device 21, 22 and/or 23 arranged on the lower portion 2+3 or on the platform 5, other than a driving light. This lighting device 21, 22 or 23 selectively generates colored light beams FC1, FC2, FC3 or FC4, the color of which is selected from among at least two different colors, depending on the operating conditions C1, C2, C3 or C4 of the aerial lift 1 including at least an emergency stop situation C2 and an accident at height situation C4 of the aerial lift 1.

Furthermore, the technical features of the different embodiments and alternatives mentioned above can be combined with one another in whole or in part. Thus, the aerial lift 1 can be adapted in terms of cost, functionalities and performance. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An aerial lift, comprising: a lower portion equipped with members for connecting to the ground; a lifting structure; a platform supported by the lifting structure; and a lighting system including at least one lighting device arranged on the lower portion or on the platform, other than a driving light, wherein the lighting device selectively generates colored beams of light, the color of which is selected from among at least two different colors, respectively corresponding to: an emergency stop situation of the aerial lift, and an accident at height situation of the aerial lift, wherein the lighting device selectively generates the colored light beams pointed toward the ground and the environment immediately surrounding the aerial lift, at least partly including a zone comprised between 0 and 1 meter of the edge of the members for connecting to the ground.
 2. The aerial lift according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device selectively generates: a red beam in the emergency stop situation, and a blue beam in the accident at height situation.
 3. The aerial lift according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device also generates: a green beam in a work situation, and an orange beam in an outage situation.
 4. The aerial lift according to claim 1, wherein colored light beams project markings on the ground defining a flagged zone around the aerial lift.
 5. The aerial lift according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the markings on the ground includes a figurative shape, for example a danger symbol.
 6. The aerial lift according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device at least partially lights the members for connecting to the ground.
 7. The aerial lift according to claim 1, wherein the lighting system comprises different lighting devices arranged on the lower portion, the lift structure and/or the platform, each selectively generating beams of colored light whose color depends on the operating conditions of the aerial lift.
 8. The aerial lift according to claim 7, wherein the lighting system comprises: at least one lighting device arranged on a front side of the lower portion, in particular on a front side of a tower belonging to the lower portion, at least two lighting devices arranged on the lateral sides of the lower portion, in particular each on a lateral side and the bottom of a tower belonging to the lower portion, and at least one lighting device arranged on the lifting structure and/or on the platform.
 9. A method for implementing an aerial lift according to claim 1, wherein during a predetermined change in the operating conditions of the aerial lift, in particular during a transition to a working situation, the emergency stop situation, an outage situation or the accident at height situation, the lighting device selectively generates colored light beams having a predetermined color.
 10. An aerial lift, comprising: a lower portion equipped with members for connecting to the ground; a lifting structure; a platform supported by the lifting structure; and a lighting system including at least one lighting device arranged on the lower portion or on the platform, other than a driving light, wherein the lighting device selectively generates colored beams of light, the color of which is selected from among at least two different colors, respectively corresponding to: an emergency stop situation of the aerial lift, and an accident at height situation of the aerial lift, wherein the lighting device selectively generates the colored light beams pointed toward the ground and the environment immediately surrounding the aerial lift, at less than ten meters from the edge of the members for connecting to the ground. 